- Portuguese language is widely spoken globally, enhancing cultural communication in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking nations.
- Living costs in Portugal are lower than the European average, making it affordable for international students.
- Tuition fees at public universities range from €750 to €1200 annually, promoting accessible education.
- Many courses are taught in Portuguese, which may pose challenges for non-native speakers in public institutions.
Have you ever wanted to wander the streets of Lisbon or visit vineyards along the Douro River on a break from class? You could be doing that while studying in Portugal. From the sunny weather to top universities, there are plenty of reasons to study in this Western European nation. But what are the pros and cons of studying in Portugal?
The PROS OF STUDYING IN PORTUGAL
Low Cost of Living
Living costs in Portugal are lower than the European average, which is a crucial detail for students who wish to study abroad but are on a limited budget. Overall, the cost of living in Portugal is calculated to be over 25% cheaper than in the UK. Even if you’re living in the capital, Lisbon, you’ll spend about 40% less per month than in London, on average.
Student Review: Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
Overall, I enjoyed spending 1 month doing research at the University. I also had the opportunity to give a lecture and share my knowledge. There is a cafeteria with affordable prices for those who are not able to bring their own food, which was excellent.
Learn Portuguese
Portuguese is one of the most natively spoken languages in the world. It is, in fact, the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Angola, and São Tomé and Principe. It’s the second-most-spoken language in Latin America and one of the 10 most spoken in Africa. Studying in Portugal will give you the opportunity to learn a global language, enhancing your mobility and opening up stunning destinations for your future holidays.
affordable Tuition Fees
At public Portuguese universities, tuition fees average around €1,000 to €2,000 per year, which is significantly more affordable than those at public universities in the UK, for example. As in other countries, private universities will charge higher tuition fees, so you should check the specific fees on the website of your chosen university before applying.
Student Review: Nova School of Business and Economics
Loved my experience
Nova is for sure one of the best unis in the world. I was so happy there. The weather in Portugal is so good. Nova combines academics, employability and more importantly is cheap. You pay for your master 13 000 and if you go to an IE which is not nearly as good you pay 4 times more. Go to Nova that’s my advice
Method of Teaching
The university education system in Portugal is considered of high quality. In fact, Portuguese universities are rising in the rankings each year by improving their scores in research impact and employment outcomes. In the latest Times Higher Education rankings, nine Portuguese universities ranked among the top 1,000 in the world, including Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto and the University of Lisbon. Degrees in Portugal are typically wide-ranging, and you may be allowed to take classes outside of your programme, thereby expanding your knowledge.
Student Review: Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
I appreciate the practical, hands-on approach to learning at ESB. The emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge through lab work, projects, and real-world scenarios makes the learning experience both engaging and relevant.
One of the standout aspects of the program is the involvement of industry professionals who regularly share their experiences and insights with us. Having experts from the field explain how what we learn in the classroom connects to real-world applications not only deepens our understanding but also inspires us to think beyond the textbook.
I’m grateful to be part of an environment that prioritizes practical skills and real-world readiness.
Student Review: University of Coimbra – UC
Studying at the University of Coimbra was one of the best experiences of my academic life. I studied Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and I loved both the classroom environment and everything about university life in Coimbra.
What I liked most was the unique academic environment, steeped in tradition but also full of opportunities to grow outside the classroom. There are countless extracurricular activities and projects to participate in—from student groups, tuna groups, AAC chapters, to junior companies. All of this makes the experience much more complete and enriching.
What I liked least was that some classes and professors were a bit monotonous, and some of the material was outdated, with handouts containing virtually the same information from years ago. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall value of the education or the university experience.
I would definitely recommend the University of Coimbra. The academic and personal experience you offer is truly special—I wouldn’t have made any other choice.
Student Review: University of Porto – U.Porto
I think the university is good overall. I have very good professors, the building itself is also good, and there’s academic life (not much, but it’s there). It has some drawbacks associated with certain requirements for student workers (not my case, but I’m aware of the lack of clarification), disorganized academic services, and a lack of training exercises. Other than that, the university is good. But I would recommend it to new students.
Accessible Student Visa Application
If you are an EU citizen, studying in Portugal is seamless – you just need to apply for a residence card (Autorização de Residência) within three months of arriving. You’ll also be able to work in Portugal without restrictions, which is handy for earning a little bit of extra spending money during your studies. Non-EU students must apply for a Portuguese student visa, which is valid for one year. However, with over 140,000 international students in the country, you’ll find that there are many other students in the same boat as you, making the procedure easier.
Student Review: Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
As an international student, I had a great experience at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto. The faculty was excellent, the library very well-equipped, and I always felt supported—even after completing my course. Great communication and care throughout. Highly recommend!
The Cons of Studying in Portugal
Courses Might be Taught in Portuguese
Unfortunately, public universities in Portugal do not offer many courses taught in English, which can be a challenge for international students who wish to study in the country. Some professors might accept that you complete your homework in English, but if all classes are taught in Portuguese, you may still struggle to understand what is happening in class. Private universities may offer courses taught in English, but these are typically business-oriented and more expensive.
Student Review: University of Coimbra – UC
I’m half Brazilian, so I already speak Portuguese, the problem was the slang because Brazilian and Portuguese are a little different. Anyway…
Portugal is a relatively cheap country. The market near the city center has a lot to buy and the people there are very friendly.
Rent Prices in Lisbon
Rent prices in Lisbon have skyrocketed in recent years due to the influx of foreign companies and people relocating to the city. A studio or one-bedroom apartment can cost upwards of €1,000, which isn’t always affordable for students. However, you’ll find much cheaper rent in cities like Covilhã and Coimbra, where you can still study at a top institution like the University of Coimbra or the University of Beira Interior.
Student Review: University of Beira Interior – UBI
The teachers and staff are all very helpful and ready to give support to hte students.
The campus is divides across the entire town but the bublic transportation works well and is very cheap.
The university used odl factory buildings so the older areas are a bit confusing but after a day or two the map will be more clear.
Low Salaries
We discussed the low cost of living, but salaries are also low. Portugal’s minimum wage is €870 per month, which puts it 11th in the European Union for minimum wage totals. The average salary for workers in the country is €1,741, which, although higher than minimum wage, may still be a difficult amount to budget if you’re living in a large city like Lisbon.
Conclusion
Overall, you’ll find there are many more pros to studying in Portugal than cons. From the incredible weather to the low cost of living and the presence of top-ranked universities, Portugal is a fantastic destination for your study abroad experience.
Interested in hearing what students think about their studies in Portugal? Read real student reviews from universities around the country on our dedicated country profile!
This blog was originally published on 2nd October 2019. It was updated for current readers on 4th November 2025.
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